For many of us high school students, the well-being of our hearts is not something we think about often, if at all. One might think that if there were a serious problem with such a vital organ, we would know about it. 

However, just twenty years ago, Neuqua lost one of its own students to an undiagnosed condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Roosevelt Jones III, lost his life unexpectedly in a basketball game inside of Neuqua’s gymnasium playing basketball, a sport he loved and thrived in. Drew Jones, another student at Neuqua at the time described him to the Chicago Tribune as “an angel. He came out of nowhere. He came for two years, spread his love around, and left.” He touched the lives of many, being an inspiration and a positive figure in everyone around him.

As February, American Heart Month, is in full swing, not only is it time to remember those who have lost their lives and who are suffering from health conditions, but also to remind ourselves to take care of our own bodies. Here are some ways to keep your heart healthy and strong:

• Eat healthy 
• Get active 
• Stay at a healthy weight 
• Avoid Alcohol
• Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke 
• Manage stress 

(U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)

Now is a good time more than ever to start taking action to keep yourself and your heart working. And as always, it is important to remind ourselves that our choices affect our health and it is up to you to keep yourself healthy and safe.